I know we are on the cusp of the summer recess but I want to talk about school for a moment. I raise a matter for a future debate or possible Commencement matter with the Minister for education about the inclusion of philosophy as a leaving certificate subject. I have been approached about this issue by Robert Finan, a brilliant Trinity graduate in philosophy from Drogheda who makes the compelling case that the subject is not abstract or elitist, but one with enormous practical value for young people today. At a time when artificial intelligence is transforming how we learn, work and consume information, the ability to think critically and independently evaluate evidence, question assumptions, not follow the herd, and construct reasoned arguments has never been more important. These are life skills, not just academic skills.

I believe this proposal sits naturally within the broader reform of the leaving certificate currently being championed by my colleague Senator Shane Curley. As we reimagine and modernise senior cycle education, we should not only be asking what students need to know, but how they should learn to think for themselves. I hope to bring this forward as a debate or Commencement matter when the House returns in September and I look forward to engaging with the Minister on what I believe is a timely and worthwhile proposal.

I echo the comments made by my colleagues on the cusp of the summer recess. It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Cathaoirleach, Leader and all my colleagues. Senators mentioned the background staff, including Martin Hughes, the clerks here, and the ushers as well. I especially compliment the staff who work in the background for me, including my assistant, Anna Brennan, who I have many times introduced as my right-hand woman. I would not be able to manage without her. I hope she has a very restful week. The work will go on here. Just because we are not sitting in the Seanad or Dáil does not mean that we are not working for everybody. I wish everybody some time off, but as for the rest of it, the work will continue.